The man arrested for ploughing his car into a crowd of football fans celebrating Liverpool’s Premier League title victory is suspected of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving after taking drugs, police said.
Four children were among the 65 people injured in Tuesday’s tragedy, when a 53-year-old white, British man followed an ambulance through a roadblock in Liverpool’s city centre and rammed his Ford Galaxy car into pedestrians. The roadblock had been temporarily lifted so paramedics could help a man who suffered a suspected heart attack, Merseyside Police said.
Though 11 of those injured remained in hospital in a stable condition.
In a staggering update from authorities though, it has been revealed there have been no deaths as a result of the ramming — despite the horrific nature of the incident and how crowded it was at the scene.
Merseyside Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said the man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.
The incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
“There was no intelligence to suggest an incident of this nature would take place,” Constable Sims said, adding that “an extensive investigation into the precise circumstances of the incident” was continuing.
She also defended the policing operation during the parade, noting the force had planned for “all contingencies”.
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The driver is suspected of attempted murder, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.
Source: Supplied |
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Screen grabs of video of the car as it ploughed into the packed crowd of football fan.
Source: Supplied
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In a statement overnight, King Charles joined the chorus of wellwishers, saying he was “deeply shocked and saddened” at the situation.
“It is truly devastating to see that what should have been a joyous celebration for so many could end in such distressing circumstances,” the British monarch, who is currently on a visit to Canada with his wife Queen Camilla, said in a statement.
“At this heartbreaking time for the people of Liverpool, I know that the strength of community spirit for which your city is renowned will be a comfort and support to those in need.
“Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with all those who have been affected, and my special gratitude goes out to the first responders, emergency service personnel and other individuals who rushed to the aid of the injured.”
The Prince and Princess of Wales also said they were “deeply saddened” by the scenes.
“What should have been a joyful celebration ended with tragedy,” Prince William, who is a patron of the Football Association and an avid fan of the sport, and his wife Princess Catherine said in a message on social media.
“Our thoughts are with those who were injured and to the first responders on the ground.”
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Emergency services help a man injured in the incident. Picture: Getty Images
Source: Getty Images |
Footage taken from a shop showed the car edging through the crowds of supporters just two minutes before it accelerated down the street.
It was filmed slowly driving down Dale Street through groups of unaware fans – including children – before it turned onto Water Street.
One witness, Matthew O’Carroll, told Sky News he and his family were headed home from the parade when they saw the car go “flying by”.
“If we’d left the parade like a minute later we might have been involved in it or saw someone that got hit, which would have obviously been horrific as well,” he said.
“So, you know, you’ve got to think yourself quite fortunate.
“Something like that shouldn’t be happening. It is such a shame. It was a real thing of like, ‘Wow, that was it’ … potentially a close shave.”
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Police and forensics officers work at the scene on Water Street in Liverpool. Picture: Paul Ellis/AFP
Source: AFP
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Robbie Potter, who nearly died in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing when shrapnel pierced his fear, told Sky News he was “10 seconds away” from being struck by the car.
“I thought it was terrorism at first, I really did … not again,” Mr Potter said.
“People who was with us said ‘Get away’, because they expected the car to blow. Ten seconds earlier, I’d have been by it.”
– Natalie Brown, AFP and The Sun
